Since I started working for Velociped during the Corona period, I have organised many of our tours, read travel reports and imagined what it would be like to go on a multi-day bike tour myself. So far, the opportunity had not materialised, but that was about to change. Together with two friends, I planned the Rhine Winegrowers' Tour.
Our Rhine wine tour starts today and the anticipation is huge. Together with my two friends, I'm travelling to Rüdesheim, a picturesque wine town on the Rhine. We park our car a little outside in a free car park by the outdoor pool and walk into town.
As soon as we arrive, we realise that we are in for a very warm week. The sun is shining from the sky and the thought of spending the next few days on our bikes still feels a little unrealistic. But after the first (or second) glass of Federweißer and a delicious dinner in a rustic wine bar, we are full of anticipation for the tour.
Our first day of cycling begins with a short ferry ride to Bingen, where we switch directly to the Nahe cycle path. The route is wonderfully flat and we make rapid progress. But after the first few kilometres, we notice that the hot September sun is beating down on us mercilessly.
Once we arrive in Bad Kreuznach, we enjoy the graduation towers in the spa gardens, which conjure up a refreshing sea breeze in the air. The Rotenfels cliff face is particularly impressive, with its steep rock formations giving it an almost Scandinavian appearance. We treat ourselves to a well-earned ice cream break at a viewpoint - the perfect way to beat the heat!
In the evening, we end the day relaxing in a restaurant and toast our first successful stage.
The day starts at a leisurely pace - the first few kilometres along the same route as yesterday - but after a few kilometres the climb gets really steep. Thanks to our e-bikes, however, we manage the ascent well - and know that we can look forward to a great long descent! With a wonderful airstream, we rush down into the Appelbach valley and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
When we arrive in Flonheim, we are particularly looking forward to our overnight stay at the Mayerhof winery. The wine tasting in the evening is a real highlight - in a convivial atmosphere, we sample various wines that we were allowed to choose in advance and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.
Immediately after breakfast, the next steep climb into the vineyards awaits us. However, the panoramic view from the top makes up for any effort. In Alzey, we take a well-earned break at the Alzeyer Kaffehaus - the perfect place for a coffee and a slice of cheesecake.
The Rheinterrassen cycle path then takes us through the vineyards towards Nierstein. The vines are still full as the harvest has not yet begun - a marvellous sight! In the evening, we enjoy another wine tasting, this time at the Julianenhof winery, where we also spend the night. The wines are excellent and the courtyard has a wonderful atmosphere.
Today begins with a flat stage along the Rhine to Mainz. We take a longer break there and visit the impressive cathedral and go for a stroll. Photo stops can be made at every corner here!
We continue along the Rhine bike trail until we finally arrive in Eltville. The town welcomes us with its beautiful Rhine promenade and rose garden. Our hotel, the Gutshotel Baron Knyphausen, is not only steeped in history, but also offers a great insight into winegrowing in the Rheingau.
One of the most beautiful stages of the tour awaits us today: we cycle through the vineyards of the Rheingau, past wine villages and impressive castles. However, we underestimate the steep climbs a little... the sun is beating down on us and I realise that I have completely forgotten to apply sun cream to the back of my hands. This is now taking its toll - sunburn sends its regards!
Once we reach the top, we take a break on the sunny terrace of Johannisberg Castle. Here we not only enjoy an excellent Riesling, but also a breathtaking view over the wine landscape. A friend from our group continues the route from Rüdesheim on the panoramic drive to Assmannshausen and back again (you shouldn't be afraid of heights for this one!).
Back in Rüdesheim, we relax at the end of the evening and look forward to the next day.
After a relaxed breakfast, we take the KD boat trip to the Loreley. The view of the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley from the boat is simply magnificent and we enjoy the beautiful weather on deck. Once we arrive in St. Goar, we get on our bikes and start our last cycling stage back to Rüdesheim.
In Bacharach and Oberwesel, we explore the picturesque alleyways, admire the old half-timbered houses and treat ourselves to a final break en route. Back in Rüdesheim, we enjoy our last evening and toast this wonderful journey one last time.
While one of my friends leaves, the two of us stay in Mainz for two more days. The Favorite Parkhotel is the perfect place to reflect on the trip in peace and quiet. We enjoy the sun on the terrace, indulge in culinary delights and take one last little trip into the city.
The Rhine Winegrowers' Tour is the perfect combination of nature, activity and enjoyment. The well-developed cycle paths make it easy to navigate and the Velociped app is a great help. Thanks to the e-bikes, even the hilly sections are manageable and the long descents are great fun!
The wineries and charming hotels not only offer cosy accommodation, but also the opportunity to taste regional wines directly where they are produced.
This tour is ideal for anyone who loves wine and cycling, and especially for groups of friends or couples who want to experience a relaxed but active journey. Anyone who enjoys being out in the sun and appreciates the combination of wine culture, nature and culinary delights will love this tour.
And for anyone who, like me, forgets to moisturise: Don't forget the backs of your hands! 😄🚴♀️🍷
